driven by science
+40% energy production per PV cell surface
Up to 80% Reduction of climatisation energy
AI control for user well-being
Flexible design and co-creation
Sustainable material use
Ideal for renovations
(Svetozarevic et al., Nature Energy, 2019)
(Svetozarevic et al., Nature Energy, 2019)
(Svetozarevic et al., Nature Energy, 2019)
Perfect conditions for
Zero Energy Buildings
Powered by Solskin AI
Technology
Our algorithms, developed at Empa, leverage Deep Reinforcement Learning to evolve and improve through past experiences.
User centric
Our AI autonomously optimizes room climates for users and prioritizes energy production when spaces are unoccupied. By analyzing data, Solskin ensures optimal comfort, minimizes energy use, and maximizes sustainability.
Smart
By using weather data, the building is pre-cooled before hot days, the solar panels are cleaned when it rains and the view can be admired in all its glory just in time for sunset.
Skin effect
Solskin functions like biological skin, actively responding to both external and internal conditions to optimize performance. It adjusts to weather, temperature, solar radiation, and seasonal changes, ensuring the building responds efficiently to external factors. Solskin adapts to internal factors such as user comfort, room usage, and energy needs, creating a high-end personalized environment.
Energy Saving and Production
Reduced Energy Consumption
Reduce energy use by up to 80% with Solskin’s intelligent shading powered by Solskin AI. The system minimizes interior overheating, reducing or eliminating the need for air conditioning, leading to lower energy bills and enhanced comfort.
Energy Generation
Solskin’s integrated PV panels generate on-site renewable energy, increasing solar power production by up to 40% per solar cell through solar tracking. This dual-function reduces energy dependence and supports Zero Energy Building (ZEB) goals.
Temperature Control
Adaptive Shading
Solskin's intelligent adaptive shading, enabled by Solskin AI and soft robot actuation technology, dynamically adapts to the position of the sun to prevent interiors from overheating. This precise shading reduces heat build-up, keeps interiors cool and ensures a pleasant indoor climate.
Reduced Overheating
As a smart building envelope system, Solskin prevents building interiors from overheating by gradually controlling the flow of energy through the facade. Its adaptive design and intelligent AI control significantly reduces the risk of overheating during summer, enhancing indoor climate control and minimizing reliance on air conditioning. This approach not only increases occupant comfort and productivity but also reduces the energy consumption, making it a sustainable solution for energy-efficient buildings.
Robust, Durable Actuation Technology
Compliant Actuation with Pneumatic Soft Robotics
Our system enables unprecedented durability due to its compliant actuation based on soft robotics technology. Unlike gearboxes, which cannot handle frequent oscillating loads and add unnecessary weight, Solskin actuators are lightweight and resilient.
Lightweight and Flexible Design
The Solskin actuators are lightweight and operate like tree branches, gently moving in the wind. This flexibility ensures the modules adjust naturally to environmental conditions.
On-Demand Stability
Similar to muscles, the actuators can stiffen the joints on demand, stabilizing the panels’ position to adjust to strong winds and varying conditions.
Efficient Movement and Force Absorption
The system uses three soft material chambers inflated with pressurized air to produce movement and absorb any forces applied to the solar panels, ensuring smooth operation.
Proven Durability
Tested under harsh conditions in both laboratories and real environments, Solskin actuators are designed for decades of reliable operation, providing long-term durability and performance.
